How To Really Nail Business Casual

Hey guys!  Welcome back.  I took a bit of a break here on the blog due to being out of town on business, which lasted a few days this past week.  Some of you may remember that I began a new position with my agency late last Summer.  I really enjoy the fact that my new job has given me the opportunity to grow professionally.  Working in accounting has allowed me to learn new concepts and challenge me all at the same time.  I love it.

With working full time you guys know that you spend more time in the office, then with family and friends, from what it seems.  While I'm at work I like to dress professional, yet comfortable.  Fortunately for me our office style is set at business casual, allowing us to wear jeans on Fridays.  Every office is different and it may be a little hard to pin point what's okay and what isn't.  Over the years I've tweaked a few things so I wanted to give you working women out there a few tips as to how to really nail business casual attire.




1.  Be Careful with Denim

It's always a thin line between business casual and just too casual.  Pay close attention to the style and wash of the jeans you're wearing.  Even on our casual Friday's I still like a polished look.  My advice has always been to stick with a darker wash.  Dark washed jeans have a more neat, clean look, and in my opinion could even pass as slacks--especially with a boot style.  Anything ripped, frayed, and baggy is a no.  Take a look at your supervisors and managers to get a feel for what may be appropriate and if you're still unsure you can always ask.

2.  Don't Overdo Prints & Patterns

I believe in sprinkles of prints here and there in a small dose.  A nice polka dot blouse or leopard print flat is fine.  Full zebra print pants with sequins etched around the butt pockets--not so much.  Leave your more flashy prints to wear on the weekend and out of the office.  I normally counteract a bold print with a solid blazer, pant, or skirt.  I want to be busy completing work, not having a busy looking outfit.

3.  Shoes Are Important

This means absolutely no to flip flops.  Not sorry about this one ladies.  Save flip flops for the beach.  To me, no matter how 'casual' Fridays are, thong and flip flop sandals are never a fit for business causal.  A peep toe and a two strap wedge are styles I stick to  during warmer months.  The wedges that I am wearing here are from Target and are so comfortable especially with an insert.  Opting for closed in shoes is best.  Simple leather boots in fall and winter.  Flats and simple sandals in spring and summer.  Since I have to walk a couple blocks from where I park to my office I will bring a pair of tennis shoes that I can comfortably walk if I'm wearing heels that day.  Our office is okay with tennis shoes or sneakers on Fridays.  During times of inclement weather I like to keep a pair of flats at my desk that I can change into once I arrive at work.  I've learned that walking around in heavy rain boots can be a little uncomfortable.  I keep flats at my desk so I don't have to tote them back and forth from home to work.  Also, if there's a meeting with my department or upper management I can still maintain a level of professionalism with my look.

PHOTOS | EMMA FAIR

4.  Fit is everything

Baggy and loose in the work place says "sloppy".  Too tight says "Trashy" and "unprofessional".  Always keep in mind how your clothes fit.  When I'm not at my desk, I'm either walking, reaching, or bending down, so I really want to wear something comfortable.  Whenever I shop for work clothes I do a test of squatting down and reaching up all to make sure I can do these things with ease.  There's nothing worse than to be bending down to file a document and your supervisor walks by and sees your plumber's crack.  Girl. No.   If you can't comfortably steer your car or hug your man, your blazer is too tight.  If the fabric doesn't lie flat with your slacks—often when you sit down—the pants are too big.  Sometimes you don't even need to purchase new clothes.  Just take them in to a tailor and have them customize for your body type.    It makes all the difference for work.  You'll look even more polished.

5.  Don't loose your Personal Style

There are so many stores and brands out there than can help keep you on track with your professional dress code while still keeping you in style.  I'm not saying to go out here dressed in all black.  That's how you fall into a style rut.  Like I've always said it's best to build a solid foundation and then add little dashes of your personality into the mix.  My outfit consisted of black and white but I threw in the print, olive trench, and brighter work bag to add a little something to it.  It is very possible to be sharp but still yourself.  Add a little scarf, some color, or delicate jewelry.  It doesn't have to be boring.

SHOP SIMILAR STYLES

Do you have a work dress code?  I hope these tips can help you out when you're trying to figure out what to wear to the office in the future.  Another thing to keep in mind is to dress for the job you want, not for the job you have.